Tuesday, August 25, 2015

Iron Range Miners Rally as Contract Set to Expire

Hundreds of Steelworkers
and supporters from across Minnesota’s Iron Range marched and rallied on
Thursday as part of nationwide actions by the union as it fights concessions
demanded by mining companies U.S. Steel, ArcelorMittal and Cliffs Natural
Resources.

The union
began bargaining new contracts with U.S. Steel and ArcelorMittal in June. The
two master agreements, which cover about 30,000 workers in all, are scheduled
to expire on Sept. 1.

The
contract with Cliffs Natural Resources, which is set to expire Oct. 1, covers
more than 2,600 Steelworkers from four local unions in Minnesota and Michigan.

"We
recognize that this is a difficult time for the steel industry," said USW
International President Leo Gerard. "But we also recognize that for
generations, these have been good, middle-class jobs that have allowed workers
to care for their families and support their communities.

"It is
important that we make sure that remains true for our generation and for those
who come after us."

> The article was written by Barb Kucera and is a slightly abreviated version of what was originally published on WorkdayMinnesota.